Meet the Philippines’ New Police Chief

The Philippines has officially welcomed a new top cop. Major General Nicolas Torre III assumed leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday in a ceremony at Camp Crame, vowing to break from old habits and push for a culture rooted in performance, not popularity. 

Torre, a respected lawman with a sharp reputation for integrity and decisive action, isn’t one to mince words. In his inaugural speech, he made it clear that his leadership would focus on merit-based advancement—taking a swipe at practices that reward style over substance. “Under my leadership, action will be rewarded. ‘Pogi points’ are not enough,” he said, using the widely understood Filipino slang that refers to gestures made just to earn approval or admiration. 

Who is Gen. Nicolas Torre III? 

General Torre is no stranger to high-stakes law enforcement. Most notably, he played a leading role in the controversial arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a moment that marked a seismic shift in Philippine politics and policing. While divisive to some, Torre’s involvement solidified his standing as an officer willing to act on principle—even if it means stepping into political crossfire. 

His rise through the ranks has been marked by operational competence and a quiet disdain for performative leadership. Those close to Torre describe him as a results-driven leader who values discipline, accountability, and intelligence-led policing over ceremonial displays. 

Meritocracy Over Machismo 

In a force where personal connections and political clout have historically played a role in assignments and promotions, Torre’s call for “meritocracy” struck a chord. He reiterated that positions within the PNP will now be based on tangible achievements, skillsets, and a demonstrable ability to lead—not on popularity contests or media-friendly stunts. 

“We need people in charge who can deliver, not just those who look good doing it,” Torre stressed. “This organization cannot afford to be led by those who only know how to play to the crowd.” 

He also promised a more transparent performance review system, signaling that evaluations will be closely tied to actual accomplishments in the field. Officers, he said, should not fear accountability if they’re doing the job right—only those hiding behind titles or patronage should be concerned. 

A Leadership Style for a New Era 

Torre’s no-nonsense tone comes at a critical time for the PNP, which has faced criticism in recent years for internal corruption, abuse of authority, and lapses in discipline. Observers say Torre’s appointment could mark the beginning of a cultural overhaul, especially if he can turn his bold rhetoric into measurable reforms. 

In his speech, he also called on the public for support. “Let’s rebuild trust between the police and the people,” he said. “But first, we have to fix things from the inside out.” 

Whether Torre can sustain this reformist energy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the era of “pogi points policing” is over—at least for now.